South Africa culls 410,000 chickens over bird flu outbreak
On Thursday, South Africa’s RCL Foods (RCLJ.J) said its poultry unit culled 410,000 chickens due to the country’s worst avian flu outbreak, heightening fears of chicken meat and egg shortages.
The bird flu outbreak, which spreads rapidly in an infected flock, causing a high death rate, has already impacted table egg supplies in South Africa.
Producers also warned of chicken meat shortages in the coming weeks.
Rainbow is one of South Africa’s largest chicken producers, supplying retailers and fast food businesses.
“The outbreak has moved at a rapid pace, and the situation is constantly evolving. To date, an estimated 410,000 birds have been culled, which has resulted in an estimated financial impact of 115 million rand ($5.99 million),” RCL Foods said in an update.
The company said it was taking steps to avert supply disruptions, but “there is tension in the supply chain.”
On Wednesday, neighbouring Namibia suspended poultry imports from South Africa, citing the bird flu outbreak.
According to the country’s poultry producers’ association, South Africa only exports between one per cent and two per cent of its production.
Earlier, RCL’s peers, including the country’s largest integrated poultry processor Astral Foods (ARLJ.J) and Quantum Foods (QFHJ.J), said the bird flu outbreak was ravaging a sector that was already burdened by South Africa’s electricity crisis and rising costs.
(Reuters/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Eight dead, thousands stranded in Japan’s heavy rains
Weather authorities said the 367 millimetres of rain over 24 hours in Chiba exceeded the previous record of 309 millimetres from years ago.
Economy
SEC orders capital market operators to freeze nine terrorist financiers’ assets
SEC directed CMOs to freeze the funds, assets and other economic resources belonging to six individuals and three entities designated as terrorist financiers.
World
UK bans sales of disposable barbecues amid wildfires, drought
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said disposable barbecues started some of the wildfires burning across the country.
World
Nigerian epidemiologist to lead global pandemic preparedness body CEPI
Mr Abubakar succeeds Richard Hatchett, who has led the global health partnership since its establishment in 2017.
States
NOA urges Osun voters to exercise civic rights
The agency said every eligible voter has the right to freely choose a candidate and should do so without fear, intimidation, or inducement.
States
Kano records 11.5% drop in out-of-school children
Mr Haruna-Makoda said the latest figure represents a reduction of 113,641, or 11.5 per cent, compared with the 989,234 out-of-school children recorded in 2023.
